Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/1/2010

Question
Hi, I was hoping someone could provide some guidance on a piece of furniture we recently bought at the salvation army.  It is an old oak armoire with a partial label on the back.  The label says "Larkin Co., Buffalo NY".  It also appears to have an original shipping label on the back with the purchaser's name and address.  The armoire itself is in excellent condition except the back is damaged.  It is missing some pieces but I think easily fixable.  My question is 1. what is the best way to repair the back without decreasing the value and 2. how can I protect the back label from deteriorating any more?
Thanks for any guidance that can be provided.

Answer
Hi Gabriele
Nice to hear from you.
Sounds to me like its possible you may have an oak piece from Larken which was given as premiums by the company.
There is lots of info online about this company
http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en%26q=Larkin+furniture+Co.%2C+Buffalo+NY%26meta=...
But to answer your question, My opinion on repairs is this..
Don't do any repairs that cannot be undone down the road.
So whatever you do to stabilize the back is fine as long as it does not cause damage and can be undone in future. If you can replicate the missing pieces thats great. But most folks cannot.
So think when you are making repairs.."Can this fix be removed?" if its incorrect.
You and I are not professional restorers, but as long as we don't cause irreversible damage, minor repairs such as this will not in any way devalue the piece. In most cases it prevents further damage.  
If you fear the label may be damaged further, cover it with clear plastic and tape.
I have several pieces that have labels protected in this way.
Do not attempt a clear coat.
And really, the label should be fine left as is if the piece is not moved about a lot.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen